Newsletter Archive

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month the UN Atlas looks at global oceanographic information with items spotlighting the new African Ocean Portal from our partner the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO; an ocean 'supergyre'; hurricanes, seabed mapping and climate change. If this newsletter may interest someone you know, please forward it. Contribute to and participate in the growing Atlas community by becoming an active Member of the UN Atlas today. Thank you, The UN Atlas of the Oceans Editors Visit the UN Atlas of...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month brings you the latest in International Maritime Organisation (IMO) news and views as well as a variety of oceanographic mapping and monitoring tools. In a news item just out on Bluefin Tuna - Past and Present, the Census of Marine Life (CoML) shows its capacity to bring together the past, present and future to highlight the decline of a marine resource. If this newsletter may interest someone you know, please forward it. Contribute to and participate in the growing Atlas community by becoming an active Member of the UN Atlas...

Dear UN Atlas Member, The International Year of the Reef 2008 campaign has been established to promote conservation action and awareness raising. Learn more. This month we bring you news and views on fisheries, estuaries, shipping and marine genetics. It is summer in the northern hemisphere and we are reminded of the importance of marine ecotourism -- see our feature on travel tips for island trips.If this newsletter may interest someone you know, please forward it. Contribute to and participate in the growing Atlas community by becoming an active Member of the UN Atlas today. ...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the UN Atlas of the Oceans! Thanks to our dedicated expert topic editors and contributors, the Atlas currently contains over 4000 entries. Membership continues to rise - now topping 7000 - and some 100,000 users visit the Atlas each month.We thank all of you for having made these first 5 years a success and urge you to continue your active support and contributions.June celebrates World Ocean Day and also marks World Environment Day, which this year focuses on polar ecosystems and the effects...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month we note how improved technologies allow us to view the earth from satellites - expanding our knowledge on the oceans and their physical, chemical and biological state. Close-up views of the ocean are equally valuable, as seen in the award-winning IMO-produced documentary on how tiny alien invaders transported in ballast water can cause havoc in local ecosystems. Discover our new topic on the Large Marine Ecosystems of the South China Sea and the great ecological and economic role they play in the East Asia region.If this newsletter may interest someone you...

Dear UN Atlas Member, Last month's news cover topics from climate change to a recently-launched ocean tracking system. Issues discussed at the FAO Committee on Fisheries included efforts to step up the fight against IUU fishing. Some technical improvements have been made to the Atlas - you will notice that there is a text-only version available for those with low-band Internet connection and a print-friendly option for every page. Suggestions from our members are always welcome - don't hesitate to contact us with your comments.If this newsletter may interest someone you know, please forward it. Contribute...

Dear UN Atlas Member, World Water Day, observed every 22 March, will be focusing this year's events on ""coping with water scarcity"". FAO leads this UN initiative for 2007 where a wide-range of issues - from protection of the environment and global warming to equitable distribution of water for irrigation, industry and household use - will be discussed. Visit the UN Water Web site for more information. This month we highlight the International Polar Year which looks at the work of all the many explorers, researchers and local inhabitants who give their time...

Dear UN Atlas Member, World Wetlands Day 2007, celebrated every February 2, focuses this year's campaign on wetlands and fisheries. Learn more about the role that inland and coastal wetlands play in supporting fisheries at all levels. Delegates from some 60 nations recently adopted the first joint plan to combat overfishing of tuna at their meeting in Japan - a welcome step for the conservation of tuna. Check out the UN Atlas's new topic on surfing and explore the many facets of this popular sport - from its history to the boom in surf tourism....

Dear UN Atlas Member, 2007 heralds the Year of the Dolphin. Dolphins are a living treasure of our oceans, yet their survival is becoming increasingly difficult. The United Nations Environment Programme, the UN Convention on Migratory Species, together with its specialized agreements on dolphin conservation and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society are all campaigning for the Year of the Dolphin. The editorial team of the UN Atlas of the Oceans would like to thank you for all your continued efforts in contributing to this Web site and making it a rich source of information on...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This past month the eighth international World Fisheries Day was observed. The global media turned the spotlight on two reports dealing with climate change and ocean ecosystems. While these generated controversy, they also showed that scientists and managers are undertaking long-term programmes and exploring various approaches to improve current trends. Ocean ecosystems show a great ability to rebound -- provided that beneficial changes happen soon. If this newsletter may interest someone you know, please forward it. Contribute to and participate in the growing Atlas community by...